One word which is famous among all the gamers is Nvidia Shield TV. And when they released their first TV Box people went crazy with the machine. Now all are looking forward to the updates this brand makes.

Recently, that is in the January 2017, Nvidia released their two new systems named as Nvidia Shield TV and Nvidia Shield Pro TV. Mainly the difference in both the units is the factor of storage.

Nvidia Shield Android TV Box Review (New & Shield Pro)

We will check out in detail about the Nvidia Shield Android TV Box starting with the designing.

Nvidia Shield Design

With the regular updates seen in the Shield units, I cannot less agree to the fact that they are becoming more sleek with time. For all the fans out there, there is a great surprise which unfolds on this Nvidia Shield TV & Shield Pro. The Designing found here can be described as Classic in one word.

The box has got some clearly defined edges on it, and there you will find the glowing green light on it.

The product is designed in such a way that either it can be kept lying flat or you can use the stand specially designed. It is recommended to place it in the standing position here, as it is a more convenient option.

You can enjoy high-quality content on this setup. Talking about the size, you may find that Nvidia Shield Android TV is large compared to both the Fire TV and Nexus system.

This remains the same in the case of the ports provided on the Nvidia player. There are a lot of ports, and along with this comes the storage point.

The system supports 4K and HDR content. Thus the storage capacity comes up with options. If you think that you can work with 16GB & will use external hard drive or HDD, choose the Nvidia Shield (Model with less Price).

I would recommend buying the Nvidia Shield Pro as it comes up with 500GB which will save you from many hassles. Also, it is quite robust compared to other streamers available.

Nvidia Shield Specs

The product comes with a lot of features in it, which makes it best while the user experience too. In this section, let’s check out some of the main Nvidia Shield TV Specs (Specifications) which make up this a great choice.

And they are as follows:

A killing display picture, which is indeed the first point that is worth noting.

You could watch movies and TV shows in 4K along with the HDR support in it.

The RAM provided in this is of 3GB.

Talking about the Base and Pro storage; you will get 16GB for the base and 500GB for the Nvidia Shield Pro version.

All the gamers will benefit a lot using this since you will get easy access to some of the popular Online Games on this.

The dimension of the Nvidia Shield Android TV is given as 9.5 x 8.5 x 4 in inches.

It weighs around 4.4 pounds.

The processor used in this unit is NVIDIA Tegra X1, which is a 64 bit and having the GPU with 256-core Maxwell in it.

There are many ports present on it, and they are namely 2 USB ports, one micro-USB port, one Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, and one Micro-SD Card Slot.

It supports Wireless 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.1 configuration

The OS found on this is Android 5.0 version

Here the Google Voice search will help you in getting the content you wish to watch.

These are the major Specifications of the Nvidia Shield TV. They are the main reasons which make the product the Best one out of all the options. You can also read What is an Android TV Box for better understanding.

Features of Nvidia Shield TV

Now it’s time to check out the key features of the system; I will provide you with all the aspects covering in this. The first key feature is the 4K HDR support, and you could explore many contents easily in the same format.

Here the Google Voice Search is also present. Using this feature, you could just say the name of the program, and TADA! It will get to you with searched content.

You will be provided with almost 100 apps in the result page. So you can imagine the storage capacity present in it. Apps displayed include YouTube, Hulu, HBO, Netflix, and more.

This has been looked upon as the Best product so far for running the Amazon Prime video. Also, the SHIELD TV includes the remote and a SHIELD controller.

Both of these options comes along with the Nvidia Shield 2 Android TV. The other unique features included here are voice search, private listening feature. This machine comes with less number of user reviews. This is because this system has been recently launched by the Nvidia.

So these were the features found in the Nvidia Shield, and hope this helped in knowing the characteristics of the product.

Nvidia Shield Streaming Media & Game

The primary purpose of using this Shield TV Pro is to get the content displayed on them. Also, you will find a lot of streaming apps including Google Chromecast which is compatible with the unit. Now the Nvidia Shield is termed as the Best for the streaming purpose.

As I mentioned earlier about the 4K and HDR support, this feature makes the streaming as an inevitable part.

Here you can also store the content in the cloud section. Because of this, a lot of simple games have been made which are compatible with the Nvidia Shield Android TV, and fun for you.

With this, the product also strives to provide you with fast results while working on it. The contents which can be streamed here include movies, music, TV shows, or any random search. This streamer is powered by the Nvidia Tegra processor.

The processor used in this unit is the most powerful one that Nvidia has ever built. The other information which can be searched on this include sports, weather, news, and also check on the score update using the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV system.

Also, you can make use of any device for accessing content, and this can be directly shared with family and friends. This feature of sharing the content is also done with right efficiency.

Controller and Remote

Here let’s check out on the Shield Controller in this section.

I already mentioned above the processor used in this Nvidia Shield Android TV unit.

The controller used here is similar to the one which was available for the Shield laptop and tab.

There have been some slight updates made on the designing part of the controller. The updates were seen on the home buttons here; this also helps in enhancing the outer beauty as well.

Other than this, the controller is found to be the beast as it was for the previous models. This controller used for the playing gets shipped with the main Shield unit itself. So you don’t have to buy another separate controller for the system.

Next talking about the remote, this is all new updated one. I was in total surprise with the quality of the remote here.

Usually, you may have found low quality plastic remotes which arrive with removable batteries. But this one is opposite of what one would expect.

The quality of the build found in the remote is par excellence.

This Nvidia Shield Pro remote can be charged using one USB cable port, a rechargeable battery. The Shield Pro retained its old features including earphone jack & no IR blaster.

With the latest version (16GB), You won’t get earphone jack. The New Version comes up with replaceable batteries & IR blaster which will let you control both the device & TV with this new remote only. It is the best part of all! This feature is the highlight of the Nvidia Shield TV system. Keep in mind that this is available for New version, the one with less cost, only.

Google Assistant AI integration

Google Assistant is similar to the Siri feature found in the Apple phones.

They are the electronic versions of a human, which assists the user in the best way to get the things done.

Google Assistant has been doing a great job with providing us with the required information.

You need to just say about the product or feature that you are looking out for, and then the Assistant will perform a search operation for you.

Then the Nvidia Shield & Shield Pro provide you with the information you were searching for.

The task that you want to perform will be either to switch the lights on or off or book a cab. All these can be undertaken using the Google Assistant.

Along with the Google Assistance, your voice will be used for accessing and searching for any content.

Using this feature you will be able to command any task to Nvidia Shield Android TV, and then Google Assistant will decode the instruction. And then it will present to you with the output.

Nvidia Shield TV Games

Well, with the 4K and HDR support I guess it doesn’t require my explanation about the awesomeness that you will experience with the gaming! This will provide you with a live feeling of the content, and the graphics used in the game.

Here you are getting the support from Google, which means that all the games present on the Google Play Store will also be accessible here. So, this makes a lot of gaming contents for one unit.

But there comes a bit disappointing experience for me. Even though Android is doing its best for a long time, and the Nvidia Shield TV is also well appreciated. Both the system integration requires some improvement. So to all the Gamers out there, if you are expecting something big for you, then don’t expect much from this.

Also if you have got some issues with the Android TV, then also the gaming will be spoilt for you. So Gaming is found to be a bit deceptive on the Nvidia Shield Pro.

This unit is sturdy and reliable, just like the predecessors of this who were the most powerful consoles at the time of release. Now talking about the current unit, it has got the best gaming support from Android. How could the fun not get better here? With all the Best available Software integrated with the Nvidia Shield TV.

Nvidia Shield Ports and Accessories

When you hear the name Nvidia, the first thing that may pop up in your mind will be Games. Isn’t it?

But unfortunately, the gaming here is a bit discouraging with the Nvidia Shield Pro model. This can be improved with the right kind of Android updates. It will get better! Check out the Google Hardware found in the Nexus Player and its functionality. I found the issue only with the gaming here. Rest of the system is doing perfectly fine.

There are many Ports available on the Nvidia Shield Pro TV. There are a total of 5 ports available, and given as follows:

Two ports for USB 3.0

One micro USB 2.0 port

Ethernet port

HDMI 2.0 port, and

MicroSD Card Slot

With the newly launched Nvidia Shield (16GB), you will only get Two ports for USB 3.0, Ethernet port, and HDMI 2.0 port.

So these are the ports which are available on the Nvidia here.

Talking about the accessories, you can place an order for either the system alone, or order the complete set which comes with all the necessary accessories. Accessories included here are Nvidia Shield TV Stand which is provided officially by the Nvidia, and the controller for working with it.

In the cables section, you will get the HDMI cable, USB cable, and the power adaptor here.

You will have to pay separately for each of the accessories so that you can order one accessory or both the accessories along with the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV.

Set Up Shield Nvidia

After all, the product features will now head to the SETUP procedure.

For the setup, you have to plug in the devices onto the HD TV, and the mains. After the wiring work is complete, you have to turn the plugs on. You will get the images of the controller and remote on the screen. With a command saying to tap on the button provided on the controller.

Just tap the button, and the setup process will begin now. Then you have to choose the language which is most preferred for you. I have selected the English, and then it will ask you to click on your WiFi network. Select the respective network; then you will be asked for entering the password here.

So enter the password, and then continue. You will get the message saying Connecting to Google here. This may take some moments, depending on your home network strength. After the processing completes, you will get the message to Sign In to Google. Here you can either Sign In to your Google Account or use a mobile/laptop which has got the Gmail account already signed in.

The latter option has got the requirement that the Gmail account should be signed in using the same network here. If you choose the option of Signing to a Gmail account, first you will be asked to enter the Email Address. There some permissions will be requested which includes the Location setting here.

Finally, you will have to enter the password here. There you go! The setup is complete here. And then you will be provided with the Best Games available on the Nvidia Shield TV Pro. The installation process is easy as well as quick. Therefore, you can get started with the system quickly. Have fun!

Pros-

Great Platform Support: This comes from the Nvidia support which is present on all the devices. Nvidia is a trusted brand and using all the components with their support. Because of this, people have got trust with the complete product.

High-Speed: Even if your Shield has got a numerous number of apps installed on its system, the product won’t slow down ever. For testing the speed, I tried to install as many different apps possible on it. Games, movie apps were installed all together, but later I saw an incredible speed in execution of the programs.

Build Quality: The build used in the making of the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV is found to be of high quality here. The main components which work along with the product include remote and the game controller. Both the products are seen to be well built. Especially the quality of the controller was a surprise for me.

4K feature: This is the first system to offer the option of 4K with the Netflix. And if you have got a 4K TV at your place, then this is worth considering for you. Also, you will find some changes in the Android OS used in this, and these changes help in storage purposes.

Cons-

Now we will list out some of the issues present on this Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV. They are:

Unavailability: The first drawback is with the use of Android TV. We cannot make use of the Android TV entirely. This is because there are not many contents available currently with the 4K feature. It will be solved with time, and you will be able to enjoy great content on your HD TV.

Separate purchase for the remote: The system does not come with the remote. You have to pay some bucks and buy the remote separately with the Nvidia. The controller can perform all the functions that the remote perform. But there are times when you don’t require the controller, and just prefer checking out the channels. For this task, you will need only the remote.

So these are some of the issues found with the Nvidia Shield Pro TV.

The Final Verdict: Nvidia Shield Android TV Review 2017

So, we came across with some problems discovered in the system. Still, I would recommend you buying this if you have got Android TV at home. Comparing both the former unit, and this current one I can undoubtedly say that this new product is more functional one.

But this doesn’t make the old Nvidia Shield less efficient in nature. The 4K content played on this system will only work on the TV which has got some specific configuration with it. And not only this, not many contents are currently made available in the 4K format.

Talking about the performance, and the hardware quality of this unit, it is found to be excellent. So with time, you will find many contents with the 4K format so that the system will work great at that time. The Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV lacks in the content section mainly. Otherwise, the complete Nvidia is doing great.

Now checking on the cost of the Nvidia Shield, this is found to be a costly one. The cost is mainly for the hardware present in it, which provides us with 4K streaming support. And also the content is displayed in the HDR quality. You could experience the movies and the TV shows in a never-seen avatar on this.

We already mentioned that the content is found to be a limit, but that was concerned with the 4K quality. Other contents which are available in this product include YouTube, Hulu, Crackle, Kodi, Play Movies, Play Music, Netflix, etc. Along with these, you will also find the content from the HBO in the form of HBO Box. There are many content providers available on this system.

Next point to mention is that processor used here is the Tegra X1, which is found to be the most powerful processor till date. And this processor is used here, which helps with increasing the processing speed.

Checking out the gaming section on this, the 4K support adds the cherry to the cake of experience. Although not many games are available in the 4K quality, still you will get the chance to enjoy the game using the traditional way. Along with the gaming, I could easily play my favorite shows and movies on it.

My verdict is that you cannot expect one system to do everything for you. Still, the Nvidia Shield Android TV gets you with almost all kinds of content on it. Only the issue found till now is the availability of 4K quality content. This product is all worthy of possession regarding performance, storage, and content quality.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro vs. Shield TV

Both the units are doing great, still, if we are comparing both then Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV is the best. Comparing the weight factor, Shield TV Pro weighs more than the Shield TV; this is because of the various added features in it.

Next key factor in this is the Storage of the system. If you are a crazy gamer, and looking out for immense storage product, then the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV is the right solution for you.

While you are working on the Shield TV, you will get only 16GB in the internal storage. Whereas, this Shield TV Pro offers you with 500GB hard drive, using which you can install a lot of games on this.

Both the Shield models come along with the system-respective remote control here. The original model had only the controller included with it. The remote controls have been found for both the Shield models here.

Another important feature of the microSD slot and microUSB card slot are absent in the Shield TV model. Both of them were present in the original model of the Nvidia, but they are absent in the Shield TV New model. While Nvidia Shield Pro includes both the microSD and microUSB slots.

This microSD is expandable in the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV unit, but this feature is found to be unnecessary for some users. This is because of the 500GB disk space provided in the system.

Another unique feature included in the Shield TV Pro is the IR receiver.

This helps in using the universal remote for controlling the Nvidia Shield, and thus multiple units can be managed using this feature.

So all in all, Shield TV Pro is far better than the Shield TV model checking all the features of both products. If you want high storage feature, then buy the Shield TV Pro model as it has got the 500GB storage.

Nvidia Shield TV Pro v/s Amazon Fire TV

The next products that are going to be compared here are the Shield TV Pro and the Amazon Fire TV. Talking about the picture clarity here, Shield Pro offers content has got the 4K support in it. This supports HDR content as well, while the Amazon Fire TV was the first product which supported 4K streaming.

To get the best out of the Shield TV Pro, it is required to get the 4K support system. Otherwise, getting the Pro unit will go useless for you. Whereas the Amazon Fire TV does not require the need for such high support TV.

The Amazon choice comes with the pre-installed Voice of Alexa, while the Nvidia Shield TV has got the revolutionary Google Assistant. The latter one helps in discovering the answers within seconds. You will get the results from around 100 apps in the Shield Pro TV.

Next big difference found in both the systems is with their processors running. Amazon Fire TV uses Quad-core processor while the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV uses Nvidia’s Tegra X1 processor. This processor is by far the most powerful one regarding speed, performance.

The cost of the Nvidia’s product is comparatively higher, but this is just right for the features which are present in it. Talking about the storage, Nvidia unit is the beast in this case. The storage found in the Amazon Fire TV is 8GB and expandable upto to 200GB. Whereas, Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV has got a dedicated storage of 500GB of the hard drive in it.

Amazon Fire TV is giving a unique utility for the Prime members. This service allows the Prime members to watch unlimited content on the Prime Video. Along with this, the users can save upto 90 exclusive channels for viewing. The channels included in this are HBO and many others. You won’t have to give any fees for this access.

Nvidia Shield Android TV Pro v/s Chromecast Ultra

The final comparison is the Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV and the Chromecast Ultra. If you wish to enjoy 4K streaming at the cheapest rate, then Chromecast Ultra will be the best choice for you. But if you are willing to spend some bucks, and get a more efficient 4K streaming media player with other add-on features then you can go with the Shield Pro.

The main issue commonly faced by both the systems is the lack of content. You will rarely come across many 4K contents. Netflix is providing content in 4K quality, and YouTube videos have also started their 4K videos recently.

Next point to note here, Chromecast Ultra runs by the smartphone mainly. You will have to install one Google Home app, and then discover the HD TV, and then cast content onto the TV. While Nvidia Shield Pro Android TV does not perform any casting operation. They are mainly used for streaming online content and playing 4K with HDR support at your home place.

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